College football is coming back to The Joe.
The 2026 Division I college football season will kick off August 29 at Wicks Family Field as The University of North Alabama faces Samford in a neutral-site, in-state matchup. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., marking the first college football game played at the renovated Joe Davis Stadium.
City leaders say the game reflects the vision behind the stadium’s transformation into a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting a wide range of sporting and entertainment events.
“When we renovated Joe Davis Stadium, we focused on making it a multi-purpose venue that could host professional soccer as well as other sporting and entertainment events,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We are excited to welcome our friends at UNA and Samford and are honored they chose Huntsville to kick off their football season.”
The matchup marks UNA’s second appearance in Huntsville in recent years. The Lions previously hosted Jacksonville State at Toyota Field in 2022.
UNA Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney said the neutral-site game offers a strong opportunity to connect with alumni and fans in North Alabama while showcasing the program in a growing market.
“Huntsville is home to an incredible base of UNA alumni, Lion supporters, and future students,” Looney said. “Opening the 2026 season here as the home team gives us a powerful stage to energize North Alabama.”
For Samford, the game will open a new chapter under recently hired head coach John Grass, who was announced in December.
“We are excited about the opportunity to open the 2026 season and the John Grass era at this great venue in Huntsville,” said Samford Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Martin Newton. “Taking on a quality in-state opponent at a neutral site is a great way to kick off the season.”
Tickets for the game are expected to go on sale in February, with organizers planning fan-focused activities both inside and outside the stadium.
Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Russell said the game is part of a broader effort to position Huntsville as a premier sports destination.
“This is more than a game – it’s going to be an event to celebrate the start of college football season and we will deliver a first-class experience for everyone,” Russell said.
The UNA-Samford matchup will be part of a busy fall sports calendar for Huntsville, which also includes the UCI Para-cycling World Championship, AVCA Beach National Pairs Championships and multiple NJCAA national championships.
Joel Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said hosting college football has long been a goal for the venue.
“Aligning with two great brands like UNA and Samford to kick off the season allows us to showcase our city in a different light, make an economic impact, and give our community a new event to enjoy,” Lamp said.
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